Wit/Whim Exhibit (2): Luke Haynes

At the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts we enjoyed the exhibit titled Wit/Whim. The exhibit explores the themes of play, family, and a sense of belonging, inviting visitors to examine the ways these concepts intersect and influence our lives. Here is a pair of quilts by artist Luke Haynes, who works entirely with recycled textiles.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.      

Wiggle Quilts by Luke Haynes (North Carolina) 

Every one of Haynes' pieces is made entirely from salvaged textiles, a practice rooted in both his upbringing and his commitment to sustainability; to date, his work has diverted more than 100 tons of clothing and fbric from landfills. The Wiggle quilts juxtaposes a vintage quilt, with its traditional arrangement of blocks, and a modern minimalist quilt done in blues. The "wiggle" allows us to peek through to see what lies below.

Raised in poverty across the American South and diagnosed as autistic, Haynes turned to creative problem-solving as a way to build comfort, structure, and identity.  You can see more of his work at his website, Luke.art.

 

 

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. 

  

Wit/Whim at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts (1)

During a recent trip to the Midwest we traveled through rolling hills and acres of corn, arriving (at last) at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. The landscape and 1850s-era barn is part of the charm. We were blown away by this little museum!

The museum hosts exhibits of artists ranging from traditional to contemporary techniques. The current exhibit, Wit/Whim, explores the themes of play, family, and a sense of belonging, inviting visitors to examine the intricate ways these concepts intersect and influence our lives.

Lost and Fun (2024) by Émilie Trahan (Quebec, Canada)  

This large contemporary quilt really stands out against the weathered wood of the barn.  Émilie Trahan is known for her improvisational modern quilts inspired by nature and the world around her. Made with recycled cottons, Lost and Fun is an exploration of bright colors, shapes, and movement. There are fascinating juxtapositions of line and shape everywhere you look!

Gift Baskets (2021), assembled and quilted by Susie Brandt   

Finished and submitted by Susie Brandt, a faculty member of the Fiber Art Department at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Gift Baskets features hand- and machine-stitched basket blocks by multiple artists.*  

By way of history: Susie Brandt first formed a raffle quilt group at MICA in 2015 including MICA students, staff, and faculty. When the pandemic forced the group into isolation, they resumed their weekly meetings over Zoom. Word spread and more people from around the US joined the group from all walks of life. The finished works reflect their conversations about many subjects including society and culture, art, hope and gratitude, grief and joy. 

25,000 Moments (That Made Me Me), 2022-23, by Will Grimm (Pennsylvania)

This amazing work consists of 25,000 1-inch squares that were hand-sewn together over the course of Grimm's 25th year of life.  Moreover, it is constructed entirely from hand-dyed fabrics! Grimm used natural and synthetic dyes, indigo, rust, screen printing, block printing, and digital printing to create this stunning tapestry of vibrant colors and patterns.  

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Will Grimm began sewing at a young age under the guidance of his grandmother. He earned a BFA in Fiber from the Maryland Institute of College of Art in 2019, and is currently pursuing a MFA at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. 

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration with permission at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. *Gift Baskets is by artists Tobyanne Suyemoto, Sarah Barnes, Marla Parker, Sharone Conteh-Morgan, Susie Brandt, Dr. Denise Bailey-Jones, Audrey Naiva, Glenda Richardson, Andrea Dixon, Dr. Leslie King-Hammond, Betty Racicot, Erika Carruth, Jane Khattak, Rosalind Robinson, Ursula Populoh, Nina Bova, Julia Racicot, Dr. Lowrey Sims, Will Grimm, JoAnn Dixon, Rodette Jones, Robin King, Susan Tuberville, Valeska Populoh, Sarah Barnes.

Free quilt pattern! Double Cross quilt

Improvisational quilts are SO much fun! Here's a FREE archived pattern by Pam Rocco. It uses freehand rotary cutting – the fewer straight lines and matched seams, the more a sense of line and pattern will emerge. Download the pattern today!

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.      

Double Cross quilt, 48 x 48”, free pattern by Pam Rocco for Quilter’s Newsletter (CLICK for PDF download)

 

 

Free quilt pattern! Thea's Puzzle

Improvisational quilts are SO much fun to make. Here's an archived FREE pattern by Amy Butler! Thea's Puzzle is an improvisational nine patch quilt with big blocks for easy piecing. Click on the link below to download the PDF, and scroll to the bottom of this post for MORE freebies!

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.      

Thea’s Puzzle quilt, 64 x 64”, free pattern by Amy Butler (CLICK for PDF download) 

For more freebies, check out our FREE Pattern Days for Easy Modern Quilts: CLICK HERE for Part 1 and CLICK HERE for Part 2!  

 

 

Free quilt pattern! Liberated Log Cabin

Improvisational quilts are SO much fun to make, allowing for unlimited creativity. Here's a FREE pattern by Gwen Marston! This quilt consists of 6 rows of free-pieced ("liberated") log cabin blocks and 3 rows of half square triangles. Download the PDF instructions today!

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.     

Sampler in Solids, free pattern by Gwen Marston for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

 

Modern Quilt Month: Improvisation! (5)

Here's part 5 (and the finale!) of our improvisation series. In quilting, improvisation refers to a freeform, intuitive approach to design where quilters create without strictly following traditional patterns, precise measurements, or pre-planned templates; it has its own category within modern quilt shows. We hope you enjoy these outstanding quilts.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.    

Out of the Blue by Emilie Trahan (Quebec, Canada) @mili.tra

Winner of 1st Place in the Improvisation category at the 2025 QuiltCon show. This is the second quilt of a series that explores the relationship of the color red with every other color; this quilt focuses of red and blue.  "Originally started with the intention of being a 'small' wall hanging, this piece is a testament to the very nature of improvisation and how it can grow organically, and outgrow our conceptions, hopefully opening up new paths," says Emilie Trahan.  Amazingly, this piece is entirely made of upcycled fabrics (mainly bed linens) with upcycled flannel sheets as batting. 

Field Counts 3 by Susan Lapham (Virginia) @susanjlapham 

This piece reminded us of the artwork of Henri Matisse with its solid color shapes and smooth curves.  The artist, Susan Lapham, explains the title of her "Field Counts" series: "My father counted things.  Everything. The number of birds in a flock, trees in the olive grove, cows in the field.  We counted ants in a hill, spikes on a papyrus plant, leaves we raked up... Little did we know he was teaching us to communicate, observe, understand. To feel satisfied, content, and accomplished. He gave us a sense of order and routine and somehow we knew we were loved." 

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Modern Quilt Month: Improvisation! (4)

In quilting, improvisation refers to a freeform, intuitive approach to design where quilters create without strictly following traditional patterns, precise measurements, or pre-planned templates. It has its own category within modern quilt shows! We hope you enjoy these photos of improvisational quilts.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.    

Relax by Karen Bolan (California) @karen.bolan 

This quilt is based on catenary curves. A catenary is a curve that describes the shape of a hanging chain or wire under gravity. Catenary curves are the physical embodiment of relaxation. The curves in the quilt are made from yarn draped between two pins. The shape has many real-world applications outside of quilting, You see them in bridges, arches, cables, even soap bubbles!  

Karen Bolan explains the title of her quilt, Relax: "I sometimes feel every quilt has to be the best quilt I've ever made, and also solve all the world's problems. It's an impossibly high bar.  Why is it so hard to relax? 

Nurturing the Pod by Jane Rundle (Queensland, Australia) @janemadlyquilting 

"Nurturing the Pod" is improvisationally pieced with various checkerboard and suare shapes in bright orange and red hues.  Jane Rundle explains Nurturing the Pod: "Nurturing is what mothers do, it's what family does. Our jobs sometimes turn us into nurturers of our colleagues, especially during difficult times... Being nurtured makes us feel safe and loved, and gives us the chance to grow to our potential."

 Back Off! by Annie Hudnut (Colorado) @anniehudnut 

Annie Hudnut says that leftover scraps can produce guilt, frustration or inspiration (so true!) "I decided to do a series to use up some of my leftover pieces. Back Off emerged as a favorite. A two-headed monster invading someone's space? We've all had that person who's just too close for comfort.  I love that my yellow figure actually conveys that feeling despite his/her lack of detail.  Circles and curves are such a delight!"

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.

Modern Quilt Month: Improvisation! (3)

In quilting, improvisation refers to a freeform, intuitive approach to design where quilters create without strictly following traditional patterns, precise measurements, or pre-planned templates. It has its own category within modern quilt shows! We hope you enjoy these photos of improvisational quilts.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.    

Lifelines by Emilie Trahan (Joliette, Quebec, Canada) @mili.tra 

Winner of Judge's Choice award at the 2025 QuiltCon show, Emilie Trahan says this piece was created at a point of exhaustion, as she was working as a healthcare professional during the pandemic in 2022. "Whether you see it bursting and being torn apart, or being held and pulled together, this quilt explores how sinuous the lines of our destiny can be, and how a narrow lifeline could change everything," she says.

Lifelines was created with improvisational curve piecing. Amazingly, the quilt was made entirely of upcycled fabrics (mainly sheets and pillowcases), improvisational curve piecing, and machine quilting without a frame (domestic).   

Scattered Thoughts by Deborah Boschert (Texas) @deborahboschert 

Here is a lovely art quilt collage made by Deborah Boschert with a variety of techniques: machine applique, hand embroidery, machine quilting without a frame, printmaking, and surface design. Notice the chair, stitched in red, in the open space at the right of the quilt. Deborah says: "For me, the chair symbolizes the importance of stillness. And making space.  And the idea that clarity can come from rest."

Deborah explains the quilt title, Scattered Thoughts: "Even when I have the opportunity to sit quietly and observe everything around me, sometimes my thoughts are chaotic and interrupted. Other times they are ordered and predictable. I created this textile collage during a time when I was grasping for control and predictability. And yet I made something completely random, irregular and unexptected."   

Embers by Barbara Danzi (California) @barbdanzi

 

Embers was inspired by the warmth of a campfire and the glowing embers; the red hot hues bring the embers to life. Barbara Danzi says that Embers is a study in figure/ground composition, with the ground, or negative space forming shapes so similar to the figures. Embers was improvisational pieced  and machine quilted on a frame (longarm) with matchstick quilting.  You can see more of Barbara's fine art quilts at her website.

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.

Modern Quilt Month: Improvisation! (2)

In modern quilting, improvisation refers to a freeform, intuitive approach to design where quilters create without strictly following traditional patterns, precise measurements, or pre-planned templates. It has its own category for modern quilt shows! We hope you enjoy these photos of improvisational quilts.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.    

Pop Art Dandelion by Jo Avery (Stirlingshire, UK) @joaverystitch 

Outstanding - improvisational - and SO colorful!  Pop Art Dandelion is "a further exploration of my Dandelion clock block," says Jo Avery.  "I used light through dark shades of the same colour to create large flowers using my Freehand Foundation Piecing technique. The interlocking rings of petals give a layering effect. The use of bright colours with strongly contrasting backgrounds and the four block layout give this a Pop Art vibe."  The piece was quilted on a Handi Quilter MoxieXL long arm using FMQ and some rulerwork.

Tryst by Irene Roderick (Austin, Texas) @hixsonir 

Irene Roderick is the author of Improv Quilting (available at Amazon)! We love the painterly quality she achieves with solid color fabrics, making Tryst look from a distance more like an oil painting than a quilt!  She explains, "I love playing with shape and color and when it's all finished, stepping back to see what I've made. "This quilt looked like two figures meeting in the dead of night and [they are] probably up to no good!" 

Disco Robots (Vertebrae #6) by Mindy Brown (Alexandria, Virginia) @A_study_of_mindy

This improvisational quilt vibrates with energy and movement! Mindy Brown says that Disco Robots (Vertebrae #6) came from an idea to try and create the same motif with strip piecing. The use of strong contrasts emphasizes the "vertebrae" motif. Mindy Brown says, "I ended up with these funny figures and when I put them together they looked like they were at a party!" You can see more of her fascinating Vertebrae quilts on her website.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Quiltcon show in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE: This post has some affiliate links for products we think you’ll like. Even if you don’t want to buy the items online, we think it’s helpful to see what they look like, so you can buy them at your local craft store. If you make a purchase from one of these links, we’ll make a small commission. There is no extra charge to you.

Modern Quilt Month: Improvisation! (1)

In modern quilting, improvisation refers to a freeform, intuitive approach to quilt design where quilters create without strictly following traditional patterns, precise measurements, or pre-planned templates. It has its own category for modern quilt shows! We hope you enjoy our photos of improvisational quilts.

p.s. Check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on craft jewelry, patterns, and collectibles!
For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.    

A ZigZag Journey, The Quilted Life by Frieda Anderson (Florida, USA) @FrieStyle

We love the freeform zigzags and subtle color changes in this quilt! Frieda Anderson used zigzags to represent the non-linear pathways that life often takes.  "The continuous and sharp turns of a zigzag reflect the unexpected twists, turns and obstacles we encounter on our life's journey.  It serves as a reminder that progress is not always straightforward and growth often comes from facing the challenges, detours, and unexpected changes."

Swimming the Salish Sea by Krista Hennebury (British Columbia, Canada) @Poppyprint

With this beautiful piece, Krista Hennebury reflects on her experience of swimming the Salish Sea (near British Columbia). She says, "This quilt is my swimming story. Each breath takes my view from depth to surface in a rhythm of dark to light as I swim in the beautiful and sparkling Salish Sea." Free cutting and improvisational piecing were used to create these effects.

String Theory by Sue Erdreich (@quiltcrochetcolor) / New Jersey Modern Quilt Guild (group members: Margy Schilling, Mary Kirchoff, Miguel Huidor, Kathy Morganroth)

String Theory is bursting with color and energy! Sue Erdreich says, "This quilt was created as part of my guild Improv Bee.  I wanted to show how warm and cool colors can play against each other for graphic impact.  Bee members sewed the scrap strips together, which I then cut into the curved forms that make up the quilt." (p.s.  This is a wonderful way to use up fabric scraps!) 

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.